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She put me in charge (Vintage e-ring)

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Have you checked out Greenlake jewelry? They have beautiful stuff in the gallery section that''s vintage-looking without being samey. MAChick had her ring made there and it''s one of my all time favorites: MAChick''s thread

If you find a design that you like and can''t afford, don''t be afraid to ask for quotes to have it made. That way you can have exactly what you want.
 
Fromm Green Lake

MTG_A_22095.jpg
 
One more, similar to Deco''s beauty:

MTG_A_8833.jpg
 
Date: 5/9/2007 8:16:53 PM
Author: eugenewood
We have talked about it quite a bit actually, and I know she trusts my taste. She just feels like if I make the final decision about it, that makes it more special or something. Maybe its a test
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. She also digs the vintage deco, nouveau, edwardian type rings. I appreciate the masculine comment, thats a great point. I should probably pick something I like, and go a bit more delicate. I tend to be really specific about my tastes (I am an artist by trade) and am convinced that I''ll ''know it when I see it''.
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Maybe you can still do some ''browseing'' together. Art deco, art nouveau, and edwardian rings all have a very different look - well at least in my opinion - I think it might be helpful if you could get more of a feel of what it is she likes. Sometimes people get movements mixed up a little bit and think something nouveau is deco or vice versa. I''m also bringing this up because I sent my fiance looking something vintage and he got something modern - he thought it looked ''vintage'' - I think people have different ideas of what a ''vintage'' ring looks like (this wasn''t my engagement ring though).

I wouldn''t go with anything colored in the ring, just because color is tricky, unless she loves a particular stone and wears it all the time already.

I think also her style might be helpful - does she were feminine, slightly ornate jewelry already? maybe edwardian then. If she wears things with an animal or plant motif maybe art nouveau. If her jewelry more simple or if she likes emerald and asher cuts then maybe deco.

Don''t worry about any ''rules'' about how much to spend - after all it isn''t the last piece of jewelry that you''ll buy her.
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I really like that 2nd one Ebree showed you if you are looking for a little more ornamental look that the first one she posted (I actually like the first one better - but I do not go to much for the ornamental look - that is why we moved away from looking at Tacori (no offense to Tacori owners)) - you could maybe find something like that second one and move down the color and clarity scale (think it was an E VVS) and move up in center stone size - and move from Plat to White Gold - if you go the white gold route I would suggest you talk to David Keeling in Canada - he is making a custom mens band for me in 19Kt white gold that is supposed to take away the plating issues. I was really thinking plat for my updated ring - but the patina on a solid men''s band got me looking at the 19K white gold option
 
I think I am going to rule out the colored side stones for the reasons everyone is saying. (Although I did really like the one ebree liked with the sapphires).

It seems everyone agrees that, despite what she tells me, my gf should probably be involved more. I will attempt to test the waters with her on some of the stuff you guys have brought up. Hopefully I dont give the surprise away (although I have no doubt she is expecting the proposal any day).

Does anyone live in the Phoenix area, and know of some good antique jewelry stores?

As far as whether its deco, nouveau, or edwardian that I like. The answer is yes to all three. I like deco as long as its not too square and class-ringy looking, I like edwardian as long as it doesnt stick up too high, and I like most nouveau as long as it isnt too swirly and asymetrical. The key to rings from all those styles is that they dont mind being ornate and interesting. I really want a ring that can''t be confused with anyone elses.

Thanks again everyone. I promise to post a picture of her wearing the ring after i give it to her!
 
Since you are an artist, you might like these:

http://www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com/pieces_enga_rings.htm

I think they are gorgeous! You could have him make it out of whatever metal you preferred. If you want antique but original, this would be it, in my opinion. I love his rings!
 
Hi! Have you looked at crossjewelers.com? They have all sorts of different styles, and miligraining/engraving can be added to many of them. There is one style called ''grandmothers engagement ring'' that looks very antiquey.

I think someone on here got their ring from there by ordering over the phone and working with them, and I''ve been there in person. They are very nice and the settings were great quality! They are in Maine, not Phoenix, but it''s always nice to just look at what they have!
 
have you looked at Lang Antiques? (www.langantiques.com)
i believe they have a shop in San Francisco but do online purchases also. There''s a 10 day full refund (minus shipping) for any reason, and full store credit within 90 days. A friend received a beautiful 2.5ctw rose-cut ring with lots of amazing delicate details that was sold by Lang''s. i''ve yet to see one that intricately detailed in the $3000 price range, though.

the james meyer rings look pretty great, too. i''ve never seen those before.
 
eugene(wood),

If you liked the sapphire ring I linked to, they have that setting with diamonds instead of sapphires on the AER settings page (second from the bottom on this page: AER).

You could get a diamond like this to put in it:

.70ct H, SI1 AGS Ideal (Mark would tell you if this is a good one or not)

...and you'd have a gorgeous sparkly antique-style ring just a tad over budget.

Just a thought.
 
More good suggestions, thanks guys.

Lang Antiques didn''t have much in my price range. I did find this one at Cross Jewelers that is about perfect.

http://crossstylebook.com/shl.htm

They are closed right now so I cant call, anyone care to venture a guess on how much that setting might cost? The picture isn''t that great. Also, any thoughts on it? Too masculine?
 
Date: 5/10/2007 11:22:48 PM
Author: eugenewood
More good suggestions, thanks guys.


Lang Antiques didn''t have much in my price range. I did find this one at Cross Jewelers that is about perfect.


http://crossstylebook.com/shl.htm


They are closed right now so I cant call, anyone care to venture a guess on how much that setting might cost? The picture isn''t that great. Also, any thoughts on it? Too masculine?
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Not masculine at all. Very pretty. BUT did you notice that it comes in plat. or 18k yellow gold? Unless you want YG, Plat will raise the price of a setting significantly. You should ask if they have it/can get it in white gold.

Hard to estimate the price, really could be anywhere depending on workmanship, if it comes with a center stone, etc.

Let us know how you do!
 
Yeah, I may have to spend a little more on it than I originally intended. I need to see some other pictures of it to be sure, but it looks like it could be the one. Hopefully I won''t have to sacrifice too much center diamond size to make it affordable.
 
i would also check out "Mel's antique jewelry" on ebay. she has some nice affordable platinum stuff.
 
Date: 5/10/2007 11:54:39 PM
Author: eugenewood
Yeah, I may have to spend a little more on it than I originally intended. I need to see some other pictures of it to be sure, but it looks like it could be the one. Hopefully I won''t have to sacrifice too much center diamond size to make it affordable.
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Are you talking about the Society Hill? That is very delicate and feminine. The rings from that comapny look like they are very nice quality. Some antique repro rings are not. This ring will be pretty expensive in platinum, but it is gorgeous. And obviously, you''d have to get the matching wedding band. Let us know how much it is.
 
Date: 5/10/2007 11:22:48 PM
Author: eugenewood
More good suggestions, thanks guys.

Lang Antiques didn''t have much in my price range. I did find this one at Cross Jewelers that is about perfect.

http://crossstylebook.com/shl.htm

They are closed right now so I cant call, anyone care to venture a guess on how much that setting might cost? The picture isn''t that great. Also, any thoughts on it? Too masculine?
Click to expand...
Awesome! I cannot remember their prices at all...when we went in there, we were just looking at styles, not price. But they are very good quality rings.

I just remembered - it is selkie who has a ring from there!

There is some info about her Cross Jewelers experience in here:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphire-in-a-fishtail-mounting.39489/
 
The ring you posted is lovely. I also like the rings posted by Ebree as well. If your girlfriend wants you to pick the ring, I dont think you should try to get some more information from her and ruin the element of surprise (she''ll know you''re shopping around if you start asking questions.) BUT you can ask one of her friends to whip outa bridal magazine with pictures of rings or casually bring up the topic and get some info from your girlfriend that way. Although it is not the norm here, I know plenty of women that would not want to have the slightest inkling (sp?) that their boyfriend is ring shopping and would want their guy to do it all on his own. If this is how she is, then it might be best to go the best friend route. Best of luck to you!
 
I called Cross because I seriously love that setting, too, and the smaller version of the e-ring is $3300 in platinum without the center stone. I was afraid of that, because it looked like a very fine quality setting. And you know what they say...you get what you pay for. This ring is still made by the original maker''s company from the early part of the last century.
 
Yeah, I had a feeling it was pricey. I may go for it anyway, it''s only money after all. If nothing else I can file it away mentally and come back to it if i come up empty in my original budget.

Wow, those "Mel''s antique jewelry" rings seem super cheap, what am I missing?
 
Date: 5/11/2007 11:36:07 AM
Author: eugenewood
Yeah, I had a feeling it was pricey. I may go for it anyway, it''s only money after all. If nothing else I can file it away mentally and come back to it if i come up empty in my original budget.


Wow, those ''Mel''s antique jewelry'' rings seem super cheap, what am I missing?
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Also ask them if they can do it in white gold instead. WG is often quite a bit cheaper than platinum.
 
Please do not buy from them. Do a search here for them and read for yourself. Personally, I would not purchase such an expensive item and one with such important connotations from ebay.
 
Yeah, I wouldnt buy on ebay without some serious assurances. I was just curious how they manage those prices, I assume the stones are not certified by anyone reputable. Interesting. The search continues.
 
Date: 5/11/2007 12:10:05 PM
Author: eugenewood
Yeah, I wouldnt buy on ebay without some serious assurances. I was just curious how they manage those prices, I assume the stones are not certified by anyone reputable. Interesting. The search continues.
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They manage those prices by:

1. Having really poorly cut (and remember CUT is the most important C for SPARKLE), non-certed, inclusion heavy, stones. If it''s non-certed remember they can really give it any grade they want...

2. Having poorly crafted settings.

PLEASE don''t buy from ebay for something this important. You have a ton of much more reliable options available to you.
 
Date: 5/11/2007 11:47:44 AM
Author: eugenewood
Theres a number of ebay stores with really low prices. I am an experienced ebay shopper, but never with something so expensive. Anyone have any thoughts on some of these stores. For example:

http://stores.ebay.com/GLOBAL-BARGAIN-HUNTERS#topage
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DON''T DO IT!!! People have come here after purchasing from them. They took the rings to an appraiser to find the stone was a couple of clarity and color grades off and thus not what they paid for. Sometimes the carat weight doesn''t even match. Then, they have a difficult time getting their money back despite the return policy.

Do a search for them and you''ll see.
 
Date: 5/11/2007 1:31:31 PM
Author: kcoursolle
Date: 5/11/2007 11:47:44 AM

Author: eugenewood

Theres a number of ebay stores with really low prices. I am an experienced ebay shopper, but never with something so expensive. Anyone have any thoughts on some of these stores. For example:


http://stores.ebay.com/GLOBAL-BARGAIN-HUNTERS#topage
Click to expand...

DON''T DO IT!!! People have come here after purchasing from them. They took the rings to an appraiser to find the stone was a couple of clarity and color grades off and thus not what they paid for. Sometimes the carat weight doesn''t even match. Then, they have a difficult time getting their money back despite the return policy.


Do a search for them and you''ll see.
Click to expand...

Well, if you want to be accurate... they did get what they paid for!
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Date: 5/11/2007 3:34:06 PM
Author: mercoledi
I saw this on the Pearlman''s site and thought of you, it''s a lovely set:
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It *is* pretty ... but keep in mind that the setting & w-band are $2500 ... it doesn''t come with a center DIAMOND. I believe the CZ is for display purposes only.
 
Sorry! I have trouble keeping everyone''s budgets straight. It does include the wedding band, but still...
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What do you guys think of this one?

http://www.newyorkestatejewelry.com/item.cfm?int_item_id=3464&category_id=3

I cant tell from the description, but i assume from looking at it that it is a genuine antique (not a reproduction). Its quite a bit different from the others that have drawn my eye, but it has a kind of magical old antique look to it. I love the pierced work (not sure if thats the term). It makes it seem more delicate. Any comments about how it rates on the masculinity scale? Also, the diamond is a J color diamond, how much will that color bother me in real life lighting situations? I also dont know much about the old mine cut, any comments on that?
 
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